The Rusty Flagon Inn (Inactive)

Game Master Nightfiend

In Conclusion

After having his last combatant flee, Dario holds his position, waiting to see if the man returns. Ionatan moves into position to assist with the final combatant. Quick as lightning, he brings his dark steel blade into a powerful thrust that punctures the man’s midsection and finds his beating heart. Just as quick to capitalize on the opportunity, Wayilant thrusts his blade deep into the bearded man’s right torso, sending him sprawling to the ground. Looking back over their shoulder, both men realizes that the battle has been won. Bryndis moves over towards Wayilant, in hopes to chock up one last kill, only to find the deed has already been done. Peering out from behind the crates, Talienda realizes that the fight as come to an end. From under the table, Ceru slides out to follow the fleeing well-dressed man. In the short time he is visible, she observes him sprint down the docks and then darts in-between two buildings before she loses sight of him.

After taking stock of the sailor’s positions, the group recovers the following.

7x studded leather armor.
5x corroded rapiers.
2x scimitars
6x belt pouches with a combined total of 20 gp, 60 sp.
1x letter that describes your group and the name of the ship you are heading to.

After taking the time to gather the above items, you head out to find the Monte Cristo. Stacks of studded leather weigh heavily across your arms, while the sound of clanking steal continuously rattles in the background, reminding everyone of the recent event. Soon a large ship, positioned off to the side of a small bakery, looms in the distance. “The Monte Cristo” is written in large golden letters on the stern of the ship. Sailors, both big and small, work endlessly hefting heavy cargo boxes up a double wide plank and then down into the ship’s cargo hold. The captain, a tall dark haired man, stands on the ships top deck, carefully observing the process.

After the Fight
Alina swallows as the last of the men attacking them falls. She shivers as sweat beads on her brow and the color drains from her face. Talienda looks nearly as shaken as her maid, thought she is at least able to move and act as the adrenaline wears off.

"I'm sorry Alina. It seems I'm dragging you into another mess," Talienda says, her voice quiet, but not quite a whisper. Alina shakes her head as she hands the dagger back to Talienda.

"You drag me nowhere, milady. I stay here because I choose to do so," Alina replies. "Though I wish you didn't seem to have a curse regarding strange men wanting you dead."

Talienda chuckles as she sheathes the dagger. She is beginning to wonder if she has been cursed considering what has happened to her in the past couple of months.

Echo hops out from behind the crate and into Talienda's arms, distracting her while Alina approaches those gathering up the gear that the now dead brigands were wearing.

"Pardon," she says as she gives a curtsey to Ionatan. "May I see if one of those sets of armor fits me? I'd like to be a bit better prepared the next time this happens."

Meanwhile, Talienda looks around and asks, "Where did Ceru get off to?"

The Monte Cristo
Talienda struggles to keep up under the share of the loot she'd been given to handle. Alina tries to take it, but Talienda insists since she barely did anything to help in the fight. The letter had caused both of them some concern, but there was little that could be done about it then.

Seeing the captain for the first time gives both young women pause. The man has an intense look and neither dares get too close.

"Who'll be introducing us," Talienda quietly asks the others.

After The Fight
Wayilant takes a quick breath, then quickly checks with every member and associate of The Flagon Slayers to make sure they are healthy and not needing healing.

The cleric takes one of the belt pouches after taking his cut of the coin, along with the letter describing the group.

The Monte Cristo
Wayilant assist in caring the armor and weapons as they make their way to the Pathfinder transport.
On the dock, feet from the gangplank, the aasimar shouts, "AHOY THERE! The Flagon Slayers seek to offer a writ of passage on The Monte Cristo! Permission to come aboard!"
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24

A voice responds from the top deck. “Dragon Slayers! Who in the…A dragon slayer, that’s quite a claim!” Moments after the reply, an older looking sailor peers over the edge of the ship. “A hahaha, I see, you defiantly look like dragon slayers. “ The older man adds. “You must be the group that Mrs. Heidmarch told us about. Hay, cap! The adventures are here!” He shouts.

After a small uncomfortable silence, the bearded man who had been standing on the top deck, makes his way down the plank. “Well met. I'm John Flannigan, Captain of this here vessel. We call her the Monte Cristo. She is old, but steady. I understand we will be providing passage for the six of you to Sandpoint.” He states while his eyes slowly drift over to the mule. “Uaha, would that their beast of burden be yours?” He asks in a way that clearly reflects the fact that he wasn’t informed about the mule. “I suppose we are going to be boarding the kitty cat as well.” He states in a somewhat humorous tone.

Somewhere in the middle of the conversation, the older sailor shouts over the ship's rail. "Aye Captain, she is about full. We should be ready to set to sail in the hour!" After a very brief pause, he continues. "What in Gozreh’s eye is that? Is that a bloody mule?” The old man says in an alarmed tone. In turn, the captain looks up and responds. “Mind yourself Glack, we aren’t sure if that thing's coming or not.”

After the Fight
Ceru returns and says she lost the man who fled. She recommends reporting him to the guard in case he appears again.

"Why did they attack us?" She asks, point-blank. Ceru looks at Ionatan and Talienda in particular. "Are you folks in trouble? Because if we're traveling together, I think we need to know if you are in danger, or the rest of us might be. We can help, but now's not the time for secrets." Well, as far as Ceru was concerned, now was never the time for secrets, but that's neither here nor there.

Ceru retrieves Gary and offers her pack mule's services for carrying any loot the party wishes to take with them.

The Monte Cristo

Ceru hands her paperwork to the Captain. "Excuse me, sir, but Sheila and Kimberly said you had room for Gary the Mule." She looks up at him with wide, childlike cerulean eyes, showing wordlessly that her heart might break if she cannot take her mule with her.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

"Ceru, give the captain the additional writ Lady Sheila gave you", Wayilant said encouragingly.

When the action is over Bryndís wipes her spearhead on the clothing of one of the men to clean it, then she gives Wayilant a cuff on the shoulder to compliment his work. She sets to looting the bodies, and is very interested in the note when it turns up.

"I think this means white-beard is not the person who decided. Someone else hired him for this. We will be very busy with things to do when we come back from Sandpoint. This cannot go unanswered."

When she dumps her share of the leathers and a sack of weapons on the ships's deck, she says to the crew "We are so popular in Magnimar there are some who want us to never leave. We had to fight our way to the ship" in a mirthful tone.

As for Ceru's questioning why they were ambushed, Bryndís denies any responsibility.

"I only been in this city for a little while. I usually need longer to make such enemies."

After The Fight
Wayilant smiles and bowed his head at the gesture of fellowship from the northern woman.
"Not bad yourself, spearmaiden."

(Diplomacy 21) The captain looks a bit perplexed for a moment, then looks down at Ceru and takes a deep breath. “OK, little lady. You got yourself passage for one mule.” While looking back up at the ships rail, he shouts back up to Glack. “Glack, clear some room. She’s coming aboard!’ Off in the distance you can hear Glack’s voice fade as he makes his way to the ship's hold. “For the grace of Gozreth. We will have to clear half the ships hold for that……

“Sorry about that. Glack can be a bit crabby sometimes. I suppose it’s a condition that comes with age. Anyway, I have your rooms all prepared. It should be a short and easy voyage. Weather permitting of course. You can expect somewhere between five to six hours.” With a concerned look on his face, the captain pulls out a pipe and begins loading it with a wad of tobacco that he had stashed away in a small pouch.

Soon, a number of sailors emerge from the ship’s hold carrying a few barrels, and a couple crats. Once they finish clearing space for the mule, the old guy hollers back over to the captain. “All right captain, the men have cleared enough room for the mule. Bring her aboard.”

The ship only has six rooms, but the trip is somewhat short. With the extra writ, he will permit two to share a room.

After the Fight
Talienda and Alina look at each other when Ceru asks if they are in trouble. They nod before turning their attention back to the gnome.

"You were going to find out sooner or later, and I'm not much of a liar," Talienda tells Ceru, "but I'd rather speak about it in private, once we're on the ship and underway."

The Monte Cristo
Talienda chuckles as Echo gives a happy chirrup when Captain Flannigan brings up boarding the feline.

"Thank you, Captain. It's most gracious of you to allow a troublemaker like Echo aboard. I doubt she'll get up to too much mischief in a few hours." Talienda's smile fades as she continues in a more serious tone. "And thank you for allowing Alina to accompany me. She would have been cross if she couldn't keep an eye on me."

Alina shakes her head, but a smile of her own curls the corner of her mouth.

"My Lady does exaggerate, I would only be sorely disappointed and worried about kinds of shenanigans she could get up to unsupervised. Allow me to thank you as well, Captain. I do apologize for the inconvenience."

GM, do you have anything else planned before we get underway? Talienda would gather everyone in her room, or a quiet corner of the hold after the ship starts to leave. I just want to make sure we don't have too many threads going at once.

Bryndís dumps her stuff in a room and goes right back up on deck to find an out of the way place to hang out and relax in. There's no way she's going to miss the sight of sailing under the great bridge span, or what remains of it.

GM, do you have anything else planned before we get underway? Talienda would gather everyone in her room, or a quiet corner of the hold after the ship starts to leave. I just want to make sure we don't have too many threads going at once.

No, I intend to give everyone enough time to post for (RP) reasons, then move things forward. I might post NPC responses, or environmental background things that are taking place. Aside from that, you should be good to go.

In no particular order, because trying to put them in order will frustrate the dickens out of me!

"I think this means white-beard is not the person who decided. Someone else hired him for this. We will be very busy with things to do when we come back from Sandpoint. This cannot go unanswered."

"We already know he came in on a specific ship. Of course he's not in charge. Looks like a fairly normal sailor, so he's probably a spy assigned by the ship's officers and potentially owners. They are the Society's enemies, not mine. Not if this is what they can throw at us. That keeps them from being worth accepting as enemies."

"Why did they attack us?" She asks, point-blank. Ceru looks at Ionatan and Talienda in particular. "Are you folks in trouble? Because if we're traveling together, I think we need to know if you are in danger, or the rest of us might be. We can help, but now's not the time for secrets."

Ionatan laughs: a rolling belly-laugh that makes it hard not to at least grin in response. "If we believe what we were told, they attacked us because they were incompetent buffoons trying to scare us. I don't think we're in any actual trouble, no. Why? Do you?"

"You were going to find out sooner or later, and I'm not much of a liar," Talienda tells Ceru, "but I'd rather speak about it in private, once we're on the ship and underway."

"Ooh. Sounds entertaining."

"Pardon," she says as she gives a curtsey to Ionatan. "May I see if one of those sets of armor fits me? I'd like to be a bit better prepared the next time this happens."

He looks confused for a second before responding. "Well, of COURSE you can! To the victor go the spoils and all that. We're up and moving, and they are not. So, we're the victors! Please try to look happier about that."

"Not bad yourself, spearmaiden."

"Oh, c'mon! We all did well. How many of us are wearing our own blood? NONE? The only way that could have gone better is if they understood how poorly they were doing earlier and left learning something about surviving." He looks to Talienda, Alina, and Ceru. "I hope you learned that staying to fight is not always the best choice. Remember that sometimes you need to be elsewhere!"

"What in Gozreh’s eye is that? Is that a bloody mule?”

"It is a special, magical mule! It takes good hay and turns it into bad fuel for a fire . . .."

Ionatan laughs: a rolling belly-laugh that makes it hard not to at least grin in response. "If we believe what we were told, they attacked us because they were incompetent buffoons trying to scare us. I don't think we're in any actual trouble, no. Why? Do you?"

She looks up at the swordsman and blinks.

"You know, my father always said I never pay attention, but I do. Maybe not to the things he wanted me to, but I do. And I remember the man very specifically ordered the others to 'finish them,' which I am pretty sure means, to kill us. Except you. And they recognized and named you specifically. Now, you have talked about being a noble and your family a little, and maybe they just happened to know who you were. But it seems odd, and no, given the way they were fighting, I don't think they were just trying to scare us. I think they were out for blood. And so you must not have been the one paying attention, OR you are lying to me, OR you are lying to yourself about what a bad situation we were in because you don't want to be scared. Which is it?"

He looks to Talienda, Alina, and Ceru. "I hope you learned that staying to fight is not always the best choice. Remember that sometimes you need to be elsewhere!"

"Why are you talking to us like we are your students? I have been an adventurer as long as you I'd wager. But since you are worried, be assured I would always rather find another way than to fight. But I'm not going to do nothing if good people are going to get hurt."

At the Monte Cristo
Ceru thanks the Captain profusely when he allows Gary aboard. "I have read ships regularly keep livestock aboard, so surely I hope this will not be too much a bother."

While she will join Tali in private when requested, until then she spends a good deal of time exploring the ship as much as she possibly can. She has never been on a ship before, and so goes everywhere she possibly can and trying to pick up on every detail of the rigging, sails, structure, crew, and so on.

"You know, my father always said I never pay attention, but I do. Maybe not to the things he wanted me to, but I do. And I remember the man very specifically ordered the others to 'finish them,' which I am pretty sure means, to kill us. Except you. And they recognized and named you specifically. Now, you have talked about being a noble and your family a little, and maybe they just happened to know who you were. But it seems odd, and no, given the way they were fighting, I don't think they were just trying to scare us. I think they were out for blood. And so you must not have been the one paying attention, OR you are lying to me, OR you are lying to yourself about what a bad situation we were in because you don't want to be scared. Which is it?"

"I'm glad to hear that you were paying attention. So, which part of they managed to draw no blood makes you think we're in danger? I think incompetent buffoons do not represent danger. Sure, they represent a threat, but threats are cheap."

"Why are you talking to us like we are your students? I have been an adventurer as long as you I'd wager. But since you are worried, be assured I would always rather find another way than to fight. But I'm not going to do nothing if good people are going to get hurt."

"Because I don't know how prepared you are for a real fight. The fact you seem to think that was dangerous suggests to me that you are not in the least prepared. I would rather have you be insulted and puff out your chest today, and be alive in a week, then let you get yourself hurt because you can't tell the difference between danger and a distraction."

Once everyone boards the ship, the crew begins untying multiple large mooring lines, dropping them off the dock and down to a hand full of men situated in a large rowing boat. Next, they raise the two large planks and stow them down into the ship’s cargo hold. “Take it away, she be free and ready to go.” one of the crewmen shouts. Before long the large ship is taxied from Magnimar’s docks out into the city’s breakwater. Once out a fair distance, the men in the boat drop the ship’s lines and then begin rowing back.

Activity aboard the Monte Cristo erupts into a surge of men working the ship's rigging, securing hatches, and dropping sails. Commands bellow out from everywhere, using all kinds of sailor jargon, as the crew rush to get the ship ready. Soon, on its own accord, the ship pivots into the offshore wind and begins moving. Once out of Magnimar’s breakwater, a few more sails drop, increasing the ship's speed. Standing on the ship’s bow, Glack observes the vessel's speed as he carefully hangs onto a nearby rail. “Aye captain, she be hitting eight knots soon! The weather is going to slow us down a wee bit.” He shouts across the deck.

Although the rain has diminished down to a light drizzle, it still keeps everything slightly moist. The smell of cherry flavored pip tobacco mixes heavily with the sea's fresh air, as Captain Flannigan hovers topside, observing the crew’s activity.

The trip to Sandpoint will be eventless. If anyone wishes to (RP) during the 5-6 hour trip, now’s the time.

After the Fight
"I think this is a discussion better had once we are on the ship," Talienda says, hoping to break up the growing argument between Ceru and Ionatan.

Underway
As Magnimar grows smaller after passing under the Irespan, Talienda and Alina gather everyone into the cabin that had been set aside for the two of them. Once they are all gathered in the cramped space and have closed the door, Talienda and Alina sit on the hammock and look to the others.

"As you've probably guessed, I come from a family of no small means. My father made his fortune in the criminal underbelly of Absolom, and he made no small number of enemies while doing it. Growing up, I didn't know any of what my father did. My mother was killed when I was six, a mugging gone wrong the guards said. Father grew more distant after that, and the only friends I really had were Alina and Echo. I was hardly allowed to leave the house, much less the Petals District."

Talienda grabs Alina's hand and squeezes it while her other hand scritches the long-haired cat behind the ears. The shows of affection steady her nerves as she continues.

"My father was murdered about two months ago. After that I received a letter threatening my life. Then-- Then--" She shuts her eyes as Alina takes her hand out from Tallienda's grasp and hugs the girl as horrible scenes come back to her.

"That was the night I found out that I had power. Sorcerous power. I learned what kind of monsters my father and another man that I had adored could be. I was nearly killed. I saw things that will haunt me for the rest of my life. Echo found me in that nightmare. Thanks to her and a few people who helped me not go mad and stay alive, I was able to survive and escape that courthouse of horrors."

She takes in a deep breath, shuddering as she fills her lungs. Her eyes are dark as she looks up at the rest of the party.

"Unfortunately, That was only the beginning of my-- no, our woes. My father's enemies were out there, and they wanted me dead, especially my uncle. I tried to hide in Absolom, but that was doomed to failure. I fled in the night with Alina and Echo on a ship bound for Magnimar."

She takes in another deep breath, steadying her nerves.

"So there you are. I am a sheltered, young noblewoman on the run from her father's enemies. Now that I have told you what dangers may be following me," she says, her voice hardening as she focuses on Ionatan, "I think it's only fair that Ionatan explain why someone would want his companions dead and him captured."

The Caydenite listens to the tale of lost innocence and woe without comment. Though as she's saying the words to try to prompt a confession from Ionatan, he's trying to make eye contact with Ceru. "If you want to send a violent message to your enemies, managing to kill some of their team is a way to do so, yes? Why keep me alive? So they can RANSOM ME. They hear the name and assume my uncle will pay dearly to bring me safely home. He might even do it, but more to identify who to punish than to rescue me, I assure you. There's no special conspiracy or deep underbelly to what I've been doing. Unless you want to count proving the family wrong by succeeding as some kind of underbelly? I did tell you that I'm the black sheep of the family. Did you think saying 'baa-baa-black sheep' meant I wasn't serious?"

"Saying such things does tend to damage one's credibility, yes," Talienda says. "My apologies, Master Ionatan. I have become a bit paranoid of late. Sometimes I see more than there is."

"And sometimes she sees no problems putting herself into situations that are going to get her into trouble," Alina says.

"Alina!"

"Don't tell me you thought this whole adventuring thing through."

"I didn't, but--"

"No 'buts,' milady. You thought you could do something to help without me worrying. You didn't think about if you had to leave, or fight, or got hurt, or, gods forbid, got killed, did you?"

Talienda opens her mouth to protest, but she realizes she has nothing to defend herself with. Instead, she pouts as her face flushes while Alina just gives her a smug smile.

Bryndís snorts as the two nobles begin to bicker over who has suffered more for being highborn.

"So you nobles have problems too, just everyone else. Such a shame your lives are only half better than ours. But then again, nobody gives a s&*~ about me or where where I've been or where I'm going. So maybe fortune actually smiles on me."

She goes back up on deck to watch the sea.

Throughout the voyage, the weather fluctuates between moderate and light rain. You determine that the captain’s estimate was spot on when you hear the ship's deck-bell ring out. “Land ho.” A voice calls out as the ship approaches the city of "Sandpoint," also known as "The Light of the Lost Coast". Not to fare away from Sandpoint’s breakwater, the city's wooden docks jut out just fare enough for them to come into view as the ship approaches. The Monte Cristo sails into the harbor on her own accord but stops just shy of the docks. Soon, a couple smaller boats paddle out from the docks, gather up a number of the ship’s mooring lines, and then taxies the ship the rest of the way in. Before long, the sailors retrieve the ship’s two large planks, which they lower down onto the dock. Your group is soon approached by Captain Flannigan as you prepare to disembark.

The thudding sound of a knock at your door sounds out, followed by the voice of the captain. “We are docked. You’re now clear to disembark.” He says in a somewhat even tone. The five hours spent at sea was a worthwhile investment, considering everyone got to know each outer a bit better. As you gather up the mule and start making your way down the planks, the captain waves at you and shouts some encouraging words from the ship's top deck. “Good luck on your adventure’s Dragon Slayers!”

Looking down the dock, you see a mud-covered road that extends between a couple buildings and ends deep into a dimly lit ally. The building to the right, is clearly a fish store, where as the building to the left looks to be a seedy looking tavern. To the fare left of that, sits a small general store and to the fare right of the fish store, sits a barrel crafting shop. The docks seem somewhat slow, with little to no foot traffic in the rain. The time is late afternoon, yet the overcast sky makes it feel much later.

Welcome to Sandpoint!

Sorry. looks like I missed some great RP, but my body was calling for sleep.

Underway
The former bartender-turned-adventurer folding his arms and listened to Talienda's and Ionatan's tragic situations. As a bartender, Wayilant found it was one of his best attributes: the ability to listen.

After both were done, Wayilant took his small barrel of applejack off his backpack and poured some into his tankard. "I don't know about you, but I need a drink after that."

Wayilant took a sip then passed it around the room for others to share. "Well, Ms. Blackthorn, I can't vouch for anyone else in our party, but I will do my best to help protect you, Alina and Echo on our travels." Looking at the handmaiden, Wayilant continues, "You don't have to this alone anymore, Alina."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23

The rest of the travel to Sandpoint is weighted by the revelations revealed.

The thudding sound of a knock at your door sounds out, followed by the voice of the captain. “We are docked. You’re now clear to disembark.” He says in a somewhat even tone. The five hours spent at sea was a worthwhile investment, considering everyone got to know each outer a bit better. As you gather up the mule and start making your way down the planks, the captain waves at you and shouts some encouraging words from the ship's top deck. “Good luck on your adventure’s Dragon Slayers!”...

"Thank you for a safe journey, Captain", Wayilant says as he shakes the captain's hand. "And we are The Flagon Slayers."

Welcome to Sandpoint!!
The Flagon Slayers looks around. "Ionathan, you haven't been to Sandpoint before, right?" Wayilant questioned. "Well, maybe we can get some directions from that tavern across the way. It's a good sign", said the caydenite.

On the Ship

After the conversation and what Talienda and Ionatan say, Ceru looks at Io with a soft smile. However argumentative her words might read were they written down, her tone is soft, as though she is trying to comfort rather than contradict. "Seems to me, Io, that a ransom for a black sheep would be pretty low. Maybe they didn't know that, but we also don't really know you, so I hope when your temper fizzles, you might forgive the inquiry. Me, I think I got my answer to the question I asked you before, so I'll leave that be."

She turns to Tali. "As for you, what an awful thing to go through! You and Alina and Echo. I can't speak for the others, but I'll use whatever skills I have at my disposal to help you however I can."

When Bryndis says her piece, Ceru jumps up. "Me! I give a s%%$! I mean, what I mean is you matter! You're the one who brought us all together!" She pauses. "I hope you don't regret it..."

Beyond any other outcomes from that, Ceru will spend the journey talking to her party and/or annoying sailors with questions about sailing.

Sandpoint
Ceru, Gary's lede in her hand, steps off the boat, and is instantly agape as she takes in the sights of the new town. Everything is new, everything is here to explore. It doesn't matter that it's kind of muddy and seedy in the docks different, it's still miles apart, literally and figuratively, from Whistledown, and all is opportunity.

"Tavern seems a good a place as any to get our bearings." Ceru never stops looking around as she speaks.

Bryndís frowns slightly when the gnome doesn't understand. "I mean powerful people who follow me around and try to kill or grab me, not normal people. I have freedom to come and go as I want" she tells Ceru.

Then she goes back up on deck.

"No, no tavern" Bryndís tell Ceru as they disembark. She's looking at the letter they were given.

"We must find the Mayor, Kendra Deverin. She's probably Ionatan's auntie. It is her children missing. We talk to her first, then we go to the tavern."

Finding a stevedore who doesn't have something in his hands at the moment, Bryndís accosts him for direction.

"Hey friend, we must find the mayor. Where is she in this town?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Dario stumbled and took a moment to regain his balance upon disembarking the Monte Cristo. The short journey from Magnimar did not agree with the bard and he spent most of the trip confined to his cabin praying for the voyage to end. Now, on dry land, he found his balance was still a little off and his head was swimming so he let the others take the lead in finding the mayor.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Heal: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
As the half-elf used her innate elven diplomacy, Wayilant noticed an unwell Dario. Whispering next to him, the cleric says, "If your unease persists, we'll see if we can find a baker who has some left over bread from this morning to soak up any excess stomach fluids. That often works."

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Overhearing Wayilant and Dario, Ceru pipes up, "Oh, I have just the thing!" She pauses and halts Gary, and climbs up onto the saddlebags to dig through things to produce the spice pouch in her cooking kit as well as a small cup. Pulling out a small vial of yellow powdery substance, she pours a generous amount into the cup (about a teaspoon full), and then putting that back, pulls out a jar of honey. She stirs a generous portion into the powder and hands the cup to Dario. "It's ginger! Very good for the unsettled stomach. I gave it to my dad all the time."

While the thought of eating anything makes Dario’s stomach lurch he admitted to Wayilant, ”I’m willing to try anything at this point.”

He almost immediately regretted those words when Ceru began to mix her concoction but figured he couldn’t feel much worse so he downed the proffered elixir. To his surprise his stomach began to settle. ”I think that might of worked,” he said with the strength returning to his voice.

On the Voyage over
Talienda starts to say something to Bryndis, but between Ceru's intervention and the ulfen woman obviously not wanting to be down here any longer, she keeps silent.

"Thank you," she says instead to Ceru and Wayilant when they mention they would help her. "Whether Bryndis regrets bringing us together or not, I think it's a great thing to have met you."

Alina nods in agreement.

Disembarking at Sandpoint
"Bryndis is right. Besides, she may put us up for the night," Talienda says as she and Alina join the others. Both girls have their hoods up to keep the rain off.

(Diplomacy 14) Bryndis catches a young man, possibly in his mid-twenties, carrying a fresh stack of fish for the fish stores outside display tables. He pauses for a moment while taking in the imposing woman standing before him. His expression, reflecting both intimidation and intrigue, clearly indicates that the young man appears to be conflicted. “A, who did you say you were looking for?” He replies in a tone that indicates he wasn't focused on the question at all. After a small pause to reconsider the question, he continues. “Oh, the mayor. Um, I don’t know where she lives, but I believe she works out of the town hall.” After sitting the fish on the table, he points off to the north. “You can’t miss it. It’s a large, two-story building.”

After being pointed off in the right direction, the group heads down the dock and into Sandpoint’s water-soaked streets. Most of the city’s establishment are open and seem to be somewhat slow. Along the way, you make out a number of different businesses, which includes a bakery, general store, armory, furniture shop, ail house, cobbler shop, wagon shop, horse and mule stable, tavern-inn, and a smithy. Eventually you come to a large two-story building that is clearly labeled “Town Hall” by a large wooden sign that is mounted on the building’s wall. Inside, two heavily armored guards stand posted up next to the building's entrance. Across from the entrance, a large, well-crafted, Maplewood desk sits prominently in the center of the room. Sitting behind the desk, a middle aged, short haired woman stirs in front of a thick ledger. As you walk in, she looks up with a warm, yet confident smile. “Welcome, how can I help you?”

Well, I timed getting online to post after spending the evening with my wife pretty well!

The swashbuckler saunters up to the desk and gives the woman a relaxed smile. "I've come down from Magnimar to visit with my cousins. Where is Kendra hiding? Oh, and my associates here have come along to help with a little family problem. Nothing too major, I think."

Since Ionatan is a relative, Bryndís leaves talking to the mayor to him, keeping quiet herself. Instead she looks around the room, partially out of curiosity, but also to see if there's anything that might provide clues about the sort of person they're dealing with.

Bryndís has visited the town before, some time ago. The very first caravan she worked for, starting in Riddleport, had traveled south. She hadn't ventured nearly so far into town as this though, staying around the market square down near the docks. The stop had been short, for the market day only, and she had been too busy to explore. Compared to some other places, Bryndís had formed a generally positive attitude toward Sandpoint.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

K Local: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Dario looked at the middle aged woman and then back at Ionatan, Hmm.. I think this woman might be his cousin. I can see a bit of family resemblance.

After leaning slightly back in her chair, the woman’s smile fades into a look of curiosity. “Magnimar you say. It has been a long time since I visited our sister city. I’m Kenrda, what might I do for you?” She says while taking a hard look at Ionatan. “I must say, you do look a bit familiar, but I can’t quite put my finger on it.” After closing the thick ledger in front of her, she continues observing Ionatan for a short moment. “You said cousins, right? It has been a long time. Let me see, are you Segiu and Ateia’s son?” She asks inquisitively while glancing at the rest of the group.

The smile slips for a second but fastens itself back into place quickly enough. "Absolutely! My sister, Perlina, married a Versade, and now has 3 children of her own, including twin girls. My brother Caesus trapped himself an Indros. They have a boy and another child on the way. And my uncle Hobart thinks the world of those who do exactly what they're told, so, not so pleased with the likes of Ionatan . . .."

He looks for a place to sit, and settles on a corner of the desk, more leaning than sitting, but, still. "I hear that you've got a problem with youngsters not doing what they're told as well." He inclines his head at the group as he continues. "The Flagon Slayers here chose to come to Sandpoint and try to reunite the family. I would love to spend some time catching up on all the family gossip, but I doubt Bry has the patience to let us talk while she waits."

"Madam Deverin, I am Wayilant Arden. We are The Flagon Slayers, answering your call for aid. Can you please describe those missing?" The bartender made a courtly bow.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16

Ceru smiles a greeting to the Mayor. She spots the ledger and, purely just drawn to any writing, tries to make out what it's a ledger of when Kendra closes it. She then tries to look elsewhere for fear she might have appeared nosy. Which, she totally is nosy, but still.

Talienda and Alina curtsey in greeting, more than willing to let the others take the lead.

Bryndis (Perception 23) Bryndis doesn’t observe anything overtly out of place. That is for a domestic building and what not. She does pick up sideways glances from the heavily armed guards, who are quite good at masking their visual wondering, but are not good enough to fool her. Surprisingly, they don’t seem to be interested in the conversation that is taking place but appear to be more interested in the group as a whole.

Ceru After she shuts the book, you can see it is a ledger of the city’s finances. Apparently, Kindra does some bookkeeping for Sandpoint.

Wayilant (Diplomacy 16) After nodding respectfully in response to Wayilant’s well-mannered statement, Kindra turns her attention back to Ionatan before continuing. “Oh. I see. You’re here because of the request I placed with Sheila Heidmarch. Outstanding! That was a lot faster than I expected. I bet your uncle is not pleased at all.” She chuckles a bit before continuing. “Unlike his extreme point of view, I have always been a bit more openminded about a person’s life choices. That’s as long as it doesn’t send them down a path of skullduggery. Please, allow me to fill you in on some of the details.”

“When I was much younger, I took two siblings under my wing who were orphaned by a large fire that took place here quite some time ago. The two were subsequently left without an extended family and needed shelter. Rebeca and Johnathan where their names and they were an interesting pair to say the least. A day didn’t go by without those two setting off on some imaginary crusade or laying siege in a hypothetical battle against the world’s darkest evil. Without a doubt, they captured my heart. Well, it seems their shenanigans have turned them down a path of adventuring. A bit too young, in my opinion, but none the less they sought it out. A little over three weeks ago, the two came to me with a proposal that included a couple other local kids. All in all, a bit younger than yourselves, but old enough to choose for themselves. Apparently, they managed to secure a deal to investigate some old building that had been buried long before the founding of Sandpoint. I’m not completely sure about the details but, based on its description, it sounds like a large building. From what I can discern, the dig sight is about seven mile down Sandpoint’s old road. The old road use to be one of our main trade routes but has since fallen into disrepair after we constructed our current roads. I’ve asked around a bit and it sounds like the archeologist who contracted the group, uncovered an entrance to the building somewhere at the bottom of the ravine that runs adjacent to the road. Well, Simi-adjacent anyway, seeing it curves back and forth a lot.”

After standing up from the desk, Kendra walks over to a small pitcher of water that has been sitting on a table next to a large stained-glass window. After poring herself a glass, she takes a dink, and then continues. “The group consisted of Rebeca, who had recently learned a small amount of magic. Johnathan, who was fairly skilled with the sword. Tim, a young boy who spent most of his childhood as an altar boy. And Elanor, who has been in and out of trouble with the law on more occasions than I can count. The four of them wanted to explore the building, even against my wishes. That was over three weeks ago. I have recently searched their rooms and found a couple crude drawings that I think might be related to the dig sight.”

[Crude Drawing #1] & [Crude Drawing #2]

After taking a second drink from her glass, she walks back over to the desk and sits down. “From what I understand, the archeologists who found the building have put some distance between themselves and the dig sight. There is a rumor going around that they encountered some sort of plant creature. I couldn’t quite tell what they were referring to. A small tree creature, a shrubbery, something to do with twigs, branches, or something to that extent. Anyway, they have given me the right to offer salvage rights as part of my plea for help. That comes with the stipulation that they are offered first crack at anything historical that comes out of the building. I have no doubt they’ll offer a fair price for any such items. The good news is, in addition to the two thousand gold I offered, the archeologists have offered another thousand gold, as a bonus, if you clear out the building. All In all, it’s a fairly sweet deal, if you feel up for the task. Keep in mind that the proposition is undoubtedly dangerous. Who knows what you will find in that place.”

While leaning back in her chair a second time, Kindra sits the half empty glass on the desk. “So, what do you guys think?”

Eyes right at desk level, as soon as she sees more interesting paper to look at, Ceru reaches out to grab the drawings and look at them.

She wishes her father's library had extended beyond things arcane, but wonders if she recognizes or knows anything mystical or magical about the way the ruin is built or that would explain an underground shrubbery.

Knowledge Arcana, Inspiration: 1d20 + 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (20) + (4) + 7 = 31

Can use Inspiration for free with Knowledge checks, so may as well add the die up front. Edit: which appears that was overkill, but ah well. :)

Wayilant leans down and looks at the drawings over Ceru's shoulder.
"Hmm. Judging from these drawing, we will need to acquire some climbing gear to get down there. Ropes at the very least."

Bryndís peers at the drawings, trying to memorize their details in case the mayor doesn't give them over for later reference. The tale the mayor tells is very strange, far different from the kidnapping for ransom or revenge Bryndís had been expecting.

She finds both of the drawings difficult. Without the rivers and coastline apparent in the map-like drawing (she thinks it far too generous to call it a map) she can't tell where the place might be in relation to the town. The cliffs would suggest right by the sea, but that doesn't appear to be quite right.

"Is this place east of here, or west, by the sea?"

The second drawing is very strange if it is correct and somewhat accurate in scale. The fortress make little sense to her. It would not be built to protect against attack coming from below. The fortress itself covers the way down. But, if it was built to protect from attacks coming from the surface, the enemy would easily, and mostly, be above the defenses. Towers would be of little use. The same with the walls.

Based on what she sees at least, if she were attacking the place Bryndís would drop flaming oil and builders into it. If she were the defender she would have built something else entirely, shorter on the ground and using the overhang above as a roof of sorts. One thing is clear though.

"We will need much more rope."

Talienda looks at the maps and before she realizes what she's doing, she has a sketchbook out and open.

"Pardon, Lady Kendra, would you mind terribly if I borrowed these drawings? I would like to make copies for our use." Talienda voice trembles, betraying her nervousness, but knowing that someone needs help seems to have lit something else in her as well.

Alina, on the other hand, does not look pleased when the others begin discussing the need to buy climbing gear. She keeps looking at Talienda, a worried look on her face, as the discussion continues.

Dario tried to examine the map over his companions shoulders. He wiggled in and pointed, ”It looks like stairs over here. Mistress Kendra, do these stairs go all the way to the surface?”

Ceru (Knowledge Arcana 31!) (Obscure Knowledge) During your time dealing with alchemy, you have heard about a rare fruit that supposedly grows from an underground tree. Although you don’t know much about the tree’s location, you do recall some parts of the rumor. Supposedly the tree sprouted from a wooden stake used to slay an ancient vampire and twice a year it yields a magical fruit. During the summer, a single ruby red apple sprouts, which grants vigor, health, and life. During the winter, a single albino apple ripens, which takes away the same.

Bryndis As you consider the forts location you indeed discern that its location makes no defensible sense at all. Even an idiot wouldn’t build a fort in a location like that.

Wayilant It is very difficult to judge depth or scale, based on the crude drawings, but rope does make sense.

Dario Kindra shrugs. "I'm not sure. It makes sense that the archeologists might have carved out some stairs, but I really don't know for sure.

As Talienda begins pulling out drawing equipment, Kindra holds up a hand. “Please, you are very welcome to take these with you. So, assuming you wish to take some time to prepare for the trip, you are welcome to stay at any inn in Sandpoint. I will cover the expense of the room, food, and….” She glances suspiciously over at the Caydenite and then smiles. “Drinks. Once I have some sort of acknowledgement about what happened to the young adventurers, I will pay you the two thousand gold. If for some reason they are not found alive.” She states with a solemn tone. “My two adopted children wear a set of matching rings that bears the family crest. I will accept something like that as evidence of their fate. In addition, Johnathan was using my late husband’s sword. The sword bears the Deverin crest on it, so it should be easy to identify. I would like to have that back, if at all possible. That’s in the worst-case scenario and they didn’t survive. The preferred outcome is, of course, to simply locate the group and return them in one piece.”

Before handing over the two drawings, Kindra takes one final look at them and then shakes her head. “These are crude at best. It really doesn’t help much. The old road can be accessed along our trade rout. You will head out the Northgate. After a couple hours of travel, you will come across an overgrown, poorly maintained road that heads east. That’s the old road. I have been told the dig sight can be seen from the old road after about seven miles of travel. I would guess, depending on conditions, it would take you about a half day to reach it. The ravine is very deep. At some points it reaches over eighty feet. From this drawing, it looks like it has some sort of stairs.” She shrugs and then lays the drawing down on the desk. “Who knows. If you can carry the rope, I would bring it. If you guys are looking for a quiet night, I would recommend the White Deer. If you're wanting a bit more activity, then I would suggest the Rusty Dragon.” After concluding her recommendations, she signs a pre-filled out letter assuming the liability of your stay in Sandpoint. “You are welcome to set out as you see fit.” She says while sliding the letter over to the group.

Let me know what you decide to do. It is currently late afternoon with moderate rain. You could seek out a room. You could provision now, simply list out what you want to buy at book value in the discussion thread. Or, if you're prepared to go, you could head out now. Completely the group's choice.

Just speaking as an artist myself, those drawings are pretty well done.

"Oh, if you believe it to be fine," Talienda says before putting away her sketchbook and pencil. Her cheeks color as she sits back and keeps quiet for the rest of the meeting.

As Talienda begins pulling out drawing equipment, Kindra holds up a hand. “Please, you are very welcome to take these with you. So, assuming you wish to take some time to prepare for the trip, you are welcome to stay at any inn in Sandpoint. I will cover the expense of the room, food, and….” She glances suspiciously over at the Caydenite and then smiles. “Drinks."

Upon hearing the generous offer given by Mayor Deverin, Wayilant couldn't help but look to his fellow caydenite and smiles as if two rambunctious boys get a chance to eat an entire patch of brownies by themselves.

"If you guys are looking for a quiet night, I would recommend the White Deer. If you're wanting a bit more activity, then I would suggest the Rusty Dragon.” After concluding her recommendations, she signs a pre-filled out letter assuming the liability of your stay in Sandpoint. “You are welcome to set out as you see fit.” She says while sliding the letter over to the group.

"The Rusty Dragon sounds like a great place for The Flagon Slayers to bed for the night", Wayilant suggests.

"Your Honorable Mayor, is there a place in town where adventuring supplies, namely rope and climbing gear, could be purchased?"

"Your Honorable Mayor, is there a place in town where adventuring supplies, namely rope and climbing gear, could be purchased?"

Kindra looks over at Wayilant. "We have a general store that is run by the Vendez family. Mr. Vendez usually carries most general items. If you're lucky, you might even be able to buy one of Mrs. Vendez's pies. She usually has something made around this time of day. I suspect they will have what you are looking for."

Ceru finally speaks after musing over the maps. "I remember a book in Uncle Bozzleboff's secret library about rare ingredients... there is a rare fruit that grows from an underground tree. According to the book--Fantastic Foraged Feasts and Where to Find Them--supposedly this tree sprouted from a wooden stake used to slay an ancient vampire! Twice a year it yields a magical fruit: in summer, it grows a single ruby red apple, which grants vigor, health, and life. During the winter, a single albino apple ripens, which takes away the same. Despite the book's title, I don't remember it saying where exactly where the tree grew, and I don't know how reliable a source it was... but it could be an enticing enough legend to draw adventurers to a ruin with tales of odd magical plants...."

She nods at the others as they speak of booking a stay somewhere and getting more adventuring supplies, agreeing with the plans and having no further input on plans as of yet.

"Flagon slayers staying at the Rusty Dragon? Are you TRYING to get people to misunderstand the name? It should work, though. The Vendez store sounds like just the thing." He lets the others continue their side conversations, stepping more around the desk and looking down at his cousin.

"If they can be found, we'll find them. The plan will be to bring them home, either way. I can't see leaving them in an old ruin."